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When George Karl said the "C" word Tuesday night, my heart sunk to my feet.  I feel for him and his family.  The uphill battle they face is filled with phantom corners and unexpected twists and turns.

His announcement brought back painful memories of a similar roller coaster of a ride I was aboard two years ago.

My father was diagnosed with cancer in the Spring of 2005.  He beat it!, and was cancer-free for two years.  It came back, and never left.  My dad died at the age of 56.

At the same time, my grandfather (mother's dad) was dealing with cancer too.  It took his life as well, 17 days before my dad.

Cancer robbed my children of precious time with their grandpa.  It robbed me of a worry-free life.  I constantly live in fear now worrying about who will next be diagnosed with this horrible disease.  The latest answer: George Karl.

No doubt George faces an uphill battle.  He calls Cancer the "Ultimate Competitor."  Like my father, this is coach's second battle to fight.  I am praying that he is able to do what my dad couldn't and knock Cancer to the mat.

Cancer seems to stay one step ahead of us.  It's so frustrating.  One day though, we will outrun this disease and give it one final knockout punch. 

Here's hoping George Karl is the next to put the "C" word in its place.

Get well coach!